bad jump

November 16, 2005

"As long as it doesn't violate any laws, you can decide who you want to have in your housing program," Leonard said. Housing programs that receive grants from the consortium are trying to assess the potential effect of barring sex offenders. Madison Center, which focuses on mental illness treatment, has housing options for some patients, such as apartments at its treatment center and group homes. Chris Taelman, associate foundation director, said the new rule "doesn't appear to have an impact." Although the center doesn't turn anyone away for treatment, previous convictions are weighed heavily when they consider someone for housing, he said. A child molester or sex offender wouldn't be considered for a group home because those are based in neighborhoods, Taelman said. Karen Ainsley, executive director of the Near Northwest Neighborhood Inc., said her organization doesn't know of any felons who have applied to their organization for funding. Officials of the South Bend Heritage Foundation couldn't be reached for comment. The policy change was suggested by Laura Wagley, director of Community Development, Economic Development, and Redevelopment for Mishawaka. Wagley said that in June, a child molester applied for assistance from their first-time home buyers program. Earlier in the year, the Mishawaka Redevelopment Commission enacted a policy to exclude all convicted felons from their housing programs, so this applicant was automatically screened out. Wagley said federal assistance programs such as Section 8 housing and public housing authorities already ban sex offenders. Having these same rules in place to cover other housing programs will ensure the safety of children, Wagley said; the rights of the offender are secondary. "I'm more concerned about the people in the neighborhoods, not the child molesters. They're not a protected class in society like racial minorities, women or people with disabilities," she said. "My primary concern is the surrounding neighborhoods and protecting the children in them." Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea, who is a member of the consortium, said he would also like to see convicted drug dealers added to the resolution.Staff writer Jamie Loo: jloo@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6337